Hybrids – Vehicles, Battery & Hydraulic Technology

Toyota's SAI Hybrid Orders Higher than Expected in Japan

TOKYO, JAPAN --- Toyota Motor Corp. said today it has received about 14,000 orders for its new SAI hybrid sedan, scheduled to go on sale in Japan on Dec. 7. That's about five times the automaker's monthly sales target of 3,000 of the cars.

The automaker said it still has no plans to export the SAI, which will be built by Toyota Motor Kyushu in southern Japan.

Japanese consumer interest in the SAI hybrid has been sparked by the car's fuel economy and tax incentives worth up to $3,150, Toyota said.

Toyota unveiled the SAI on Oct. 20. The SAI has a listed fuel economy of 54 mpg.